From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Stand to End Rape Initiative (STER) and the Olu Adeyemi (OA)Foundation, have organized a media roundtable to promote the inclusion of women in Nigerian politics.
The event, held at NOKTEL Hotel in Ilorin, brought together media professionals and stakeholders to discuss strategies for amplifying women’s voices in governance.
Key participants included the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), General Managers of Diamond FM, and Radio Kwara.
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The forum explored the role of the media in reshaping narratives and advocating for increased female representation in leadership.
Speaking at the event, Edith Isiek, Research, Monitoring, and Learning Officer at STER, emphasised the importance of media collaboration in addressing gender gaps in politics.
“This initiative is about ensuring every Nigerian woman’s voice is heard and their rights to political participation upheld. The media holds the key to making this a national priority,” she stated.
Olusegun Adeyemi, Founder and CEO of the OA Foundation, advocated for the proposed Extra Seat Bill, which seeks to reserve seats for women in state and national legislatures.
He noted the transformative potential of the bill in fostering inclusive governance.
“This initiative is not just about filling seats but about transforming governance through the inclusion of women. The media plays a pivotal role in breaking barriers and advocating for this systemic change,” he said.
Discussions during the roundtable focused on the impact of the Extra Seat Bill in addressing women’s underrepresentation and the importance of storytelling in reshaping public perceptions.
Media leaders pledged to launch campaigns raising awareness about the bill and other challenges facing women in politics.
In their goodwill messages, NUJ leaders and representatives from Diamond FM and Radio Kwara, reaffirmed their commitment to championing gender equality through media advocacy.
They agreed to prioritise stories that not only highlight women’s participation in politics but also empower them to take on impactful roles in governance.
The event concluded with a joint pledge by media practitioners to promote inclusive governance and provoke action toward gender equality.
Both STER and the OA Foundation reaffirmed their dedication to advancing women’s empowerment through sustained advocacy and community engagement.
